Hastings Pit Bull Attack Lawyer Discusses Dangerous Dog Ordinances

The Hastings pit bull attack lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. represent victims seriously injured after being attacked by a pit bull. Our firm has successfully represented dog bite victims and their families for over 40 years throughout the State of Michigan, and has the knowledge, expertise, and experience in handling these types of cases. We have a track record of obtaining sizeable Michigan dog bite settlements, jury verdicts and providing the best service possible for our injured clients after being attacked by a pit bull.

Dog Bite Laws

Many cities and counties have ordinances regarding pit bulls and the responsibilities of dog owners. An owner or keeper of a dog who violates these ordinances can be held liable for damages in a civil lawsuit to a dog bite victim that was attacked by a pit bull. The ordinances can be used to prove a case in addition to other Michigan dog bite laws.

Hastings Pit Bull Laws

In Hastings, there are laws that apply to dog owners. A full completed list of pit bull ordinances can be found on the Hastings City website. Specifically, some laws are as follows:

Sec. 14-64.

(a) The owner of a dangerous dog shall not suffer or permit such dog to go unconfined upon such person's premises.

(b) The owner of a dangerous dog shall not suffer or permit such dog to go beyond the premises of such person unless such dog is securely leashed and muzzled or otherwise securely restrained and muzzled.

(c) Any person found guilty of violating Hastings dog ordinances shall pay all expenses, including shelter, food, veterinary expenses for identification or certification of the breed of the animal or boarding and veterinary expenses necessitated by the seizure of any dog for the protection of the public, and such other expenses as may be required for the destruction of any such dog.

(d) In addition, any dangerous dog that attacks a human being or another domestic animal may be ordered destroyed when in the court's judgment such dangerous dog represents a continuing threat of serious harm to human beings or domestic animals.

Code 1970, §§ 12.113(b), (c), 12.115

Dog Bite Lawsuits For Pit Bull Attacks

Michigan law holds the person who owns, keeps, or harbors the dog responsible for a dog bite or attack, regardless of prior knowledge (called, “strict liability” laws) of the viciousness of the animal. Also, the negligence law is used to hold the owner responsible for the attack. This means that the dog owner is liable if the injury occurred because the dog owner was unreasonably careless in controlling the dog. The only defense to the dog owner in these cases is if the victim provoked the attack or was a trespasser on the property.

Contact Your Hastings Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a family member were attacked or bitten by a pit bull in Hastings, you should call our office now at (800) 606-1717 to speak with our top rated pit bull attack lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. We will start working on your case immediately gathering all the evidence and witness statements to win and settle your case.